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When organizing memorable and personalized events, party decorators have a secret weapon in their arsenal – Life-Sized Cardboard Cutouts or foam board cutouts. These larger than life creations add an extra touch of charm and excitement to any occasion, making them a popular choice for a wide range of events. In this article, we will delve into the world of cutouts, exploring what they are, their various uses, the steps involved in making one, and some invaluable tips and tricks for working with cutouts.
What Is A Cutout
In the context of event decoration, a cutout is a life-sized replica of a person, character, or object. It is typically made from sturdy materials like cardboard or foam board and often features vibrant, colorful graphics or images. Cutouts can vary in size, ranging from small figures to larger-than-life installations that stand several feet tall. These eye-catching decorations are used to personalize events and bring an element of fun and amusement to the occasion.
What Are Cutouts Used For
Cutouts are incredibly versatile and find their place in a wide range of events. Some common uses include:
Themed Parties
Whether it’s a Hollywood-themed bash or a sports extravaganza, a kid’s Minecraft party, or a princess themed party, cutouts of famous actors, athletes, characters, or iconic symbols related to the theme can transform the venue and enhance the overall ambiance.
Weddings and Anniversaries
Couples often use cutouts of themselves for photo booths or as standees to add a personal touch to their special day.
Corporate Events
Companies use cutouts of their brand mascots, logos, or prominent figures to create branding opportunities and engage attendees.
Birthday Celebrations
From beloved cartoon characters to favorite superheroes, cutouts of the guest of honor’s idols can become the highlight of the celebration.
Graduations and Proms
Graduates or prom attendees can have fun posing with life-sized cutouts of themselves or their friends.
Steps To Make Cutouts
Creating a life-sized cutout may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a cardboard cutout:
What You Need:
- high quality image
- cardboard or foamboard
- utility knife*
- cutting mat
- ruler (optional)
- scissors
- glue
*A heating knife may be super helpful
Choose The Image
Select a high-resolution image that you want to transform into a cutout. Ensure that the image aligns with the event theme or the guest of honor’s preferences.
For example, if doing a Minecraft party you could make a big creeper like I did for a recent event.
If you don’t have an image already you can find them online, search for high resolution images. You may have to check if they are royalty-free.
Royalty-free images are images that are licensed for multiple uses without the need to pay royalties for each use. They are usually offered under specific licensing terms, allowing you to use the image legally and avoid copyright infringement issues. When you use royalty-free images, you can be confident that you are not violating any copyright laws or infringing on the rights of the original creator.
Get The Image Printed
There are several ways to get your images printed to poster size; either a local print shop, Staples, Walgreens, or Walmart.
My personal favorite is to print through Walgreens and have it printed on a board (foam board). Another bonus is if you sign up for emails, Walgreens sends out photo deals often and you can generally get photos printed for up to 50% off.
Table Of Options For Poster And Board Posters
| Photo Center | Poster Sizes | Poster Prices | Board Print Sizes | Board Print Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVS | 11×14 | $12.99 | – | – |
| 12×18 | $14.99 | – | – | |
| 16×20 | $19.99 | – | – | |
| 20×30 | $24.99 | – | – | |
| 24×36 | $31.99 | – | – | |
| Office Depot/Max | 16×20 | $13.99 | 16×20 | $22.99 |
| 18×24 | $15.99 | 18×24 | $23.99 | |
| 24×36 | $30.99 | 24×36 | $45.99 | |
| 36×48 | $45.99 | 36×48 | $95.99 | |
| 40×60 | $55.99 | – | – | |
| Staples | 12×18 | $12.50 | 12×18 | $18.00 |
| 18×24 | $18.75 | 18×24 | $27.00 | |
| 24×36 | $37.50 | 24×36 | $54.00 | |
| 36×48 | $75.00 | 36×48 | $108.00 | |
| Walgreens | 11×17 | $12.99 | 11×14 | $16.99 |
| 12×18 | $14.99 | – | – | |
| 16×20 | $19.99 | 16×20 | $26.99 | |
| 20×30 | $25.99 | 20×30 | $36.99 | |
| 24×36 | $31.99 | – | – | |
| Walmart | 11×14 | $5.89 | 11×14 | $8.86 |
| 12×12 | $6.86 | – | – | |
| 12×18 | $8.86 | – | – | |
| 8×20 | $7.86 | – | – | |
| 16×20 | $12.86 | 16×20 | $18.86 | |
| 20×30 | $18.86 | 20×30 | $28.86 |
Cut And Transfer The Image (If You Opted Not To Print To Board)
Cut out the image if you printed it to a poster.
Glue the cut printed image onto the cardboard or foam board.
Cut The Image Out
Place the cardboard or foam board on the cutting mat and use a utility knife to carefully cut along the edges of the image.
Take your time to ensure precise and clean cuts. You may want to use a ruler for any straight edges.
If you only make these once in a while a utility knife or exacto knife will be fine but if you find yourself making these often you might want to invest in a heated tool foam cutter.
Here is the Minecraft Creeper all cut out.
Add Support
Depending on the size of the cutout and the material used, it may require additional support to stand upright. Attach a support stand or brace to the back of the cutout, ensuring stability.
Typically you can glue two scrap pieces of foam board or cardboard in a T shape to use as a support.
Decorate (Optional)
This step is optional and may not make sense for all applications.
Use paints, markers, or other decorative materials to bring your cutout to life. Add vibrant colors and attention to detail, matching the original image as closely as possible.
Display
Position the cutout at the event venue where it can have maximum impact. Ensure it’s placed safely to avoid any accidents or damage during the event.
Tips And Tricks When Working With Cutouts:
Here are some valuable tips to make your experience with cutouts even more enjoyable and successful:
Sturdy Materials
Opt for high-quality cardboard or foam board to ensure your cutout lasts throughout the event.
Double-Sided
If the cutout will be visible from multiple angles, consider decorating both sides for a more polished look.
Weatherproofing
If the event is outdoors, apply a weather-resistant coating to protect the cutout from moisture and sunlight.
Interactivity
Create cutouts with holes for faces, allowing guests to put their heads through and pose for hilarious photo opportunities.
Transportation
Plan ahead for transportation, as larger cutouts can be cumbersome to move. Consider folding options or disassembling for easy transport.
Photobooth Fun
Integrate cutouts into photo booth setups to encourage guests to take pictures and share their experiences on social media.
In conclusion, life-sized cardboard or foam board cutouts are a fantastic way to personalize and enliven events. Whether it’s a themed party, wedding, or corporate gathering, these eye-catching creations are sure to leave a lasting impression on attendees. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can craft your very own cutouts and elevate any event into an unforgettable experience.
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